Material Handlers play a critical role in keeping operations, and freight, moving. They move, load and unload goods and freight within a warehouse or yard and onto and off of trucks and trailers. Also, they handle and move freight by hand or using equipment, like dollies or carts. Material Handlers do this work safely and efficiently, ensuring that nothing is damaged during transit.
Trucking HR
Career Assessment - Coming Soon
Associated NOC Code: 7452 – Material Handlers
Job Prospects: Exceptional
Education: Not Required
Salary Range: Coming Soon
Material Handlers are always on the move, making sure goods are in the right place at the right time. With over 45,000 positions in companies across Canada, this entry-level position may be a great way to start a career in the trucking and logistics sector.
Shipments and deliveries happen around the clock, which means Material Handlers often work shift work. This can include days, nights, weekends and holidays, and during busy times, overtime is common. Depending upon the volume and type of freight being moved, Material Handlers may work alone or as part of a team. They spend their days:
- Loading, unloading and moving products and materials by hand or using basic material handling equipment
- Counting, weighing, sorting, packing and unpacking freight
- Operating various equipment to assist in moving freight; this could include operating winches, connecting hoses or pipes to unload bulk/fluid loads into tanks, operating conveyors or equipment to transfer materials, and running hoppers or dumpers
For this entry-level position, companies often provide on-the-job training as part of the onboarding process. Although requirements of applicants will vary by company, the following may apply:
1) Educational Requirements
Most companies require a high school diploma.
2) Physical Requirements
Most companies require Material Handlers to lift upwards of 10 kg/22 lbs manually. Material Handlers must lift and lower freight, carry materials and walk throughout the warehouse. As a result, they spend more of their shifts moving!
Compensation depends on many factors, including the company, location, type of load/cargo, level of experience and licensing requirements. Benefits vary but often include (at minimum) basic medical, vision and dental coverage. Other benefits, such as vacation, pension, and profit-sharing, depend on the company and its compensation model.
Salary range coming soon.
As you gain experience as a Material Handler, you may be interested in moving into other positions:
- Forklift Operator – They need a specific license to operate a forklift within the warehouse or yard.
- Shipper/Receiver – They play a critical role in shipping, receiving and recording all freight, materials and supplies that enter and leave the warehouse or yard.
- Shunt Driver – They require a license, often a Class 1/A license. Driving a shunt truck can be a starting point for new drivers to gain experience. Shunt Driver’s spend their days moving or ‘shunting’ trailers from loading docks to and from the yard.